Initially built in 1909 as the East River Savings Bank, became a hub for political and Mafia activity in Little Italy. Albert Marinelli, an ally of Lucky Luciano, established his political headquarters at 225 Lafayette Street, marking a pivotal shift in Tammany Hall's power. With Luciano's backing, Marinelli became the first Italian-American District Leader in NYC. His partnership with Luciano flourished, evident in their shared attendance at the 1932 Democratic Convention. However, Marinelli's wealth and influence drew scrutiny from Special Prosecutor Thomas Dewey, who accused him of corruption and voter fraud. This pressure led to Marinelli stepping down, making way for John DeSalvio to assume leadership.
Under scrutiny from Special Prosecutor Thomas Dewey, Albert Marinelli stepped down as District Leader, succeeded by John DeSalvio. Meanwhile, Jimmy Doyle Pulmeri and Johnny Dio Dioguardi ran the Five Boroughs Trucking Service Association from the same building, using extortion to control Garment Center trucking. A violent internal dispute left Doyle and his partner Dominick Didato wounded, with Didato later found dead. Following the Castellammarese War, Pulmeri and Dioguardi aligned with the Lucchese Crime Family, further entrenching their influence.
